25 Years of BuckeyeThon

For 25 years, Ohio State students have danced, fundraised and rallied for kids and families facing childhood cancer, raising more than $16 million along the way. The dollars tell one story. The people tell another. Ahead of this year’s marathon on February 6th, we caught up with alumni and current members whose time in BuckeyeThon continues to shape their careers, communities and sense of purpose.

Lily Cain ’26, Incoming M1

I was introduced to BuckeyeThon through my own experience at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. At sixteen, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and at eighteen, I learned that my cancer had relapsed. During treatment, my oncologist, Dr. Rolla Abu-Arja, introduced me to BuckeyeThon, and I witnessed firsthand how the efforts of thousands of college students make a difference in the lives of patients on the eleventh and twelfth floors of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. After completing treatment, I joined BuckeyeThon at Ohio State to give back to an organization that had played such a meaningful role in my life. Through the Youth Philanthropy program, I discovered how to turn my personal experience into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other families, while developing valuable leadership skills and taking on opportunities that helped me grow. As I begin medical school next year, I will carry these lessons with me and continue working to make a difference in the lives of others. BuckeyeThon will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Clara Planner ’24, M2 at The Ohio State University

BuckeyeThon was one of the most impactful experiences of my undergraduate years. The resilience of the children and families, passion of fellow students, and guidance of Ohio State staff taught me what it means to make a difference. Seeing families persevere through challenging times, while being surrounded by people who are dedicated to supporting them, strengthened my desire to pursue medicine.

Now, as a medical student, I carry that same enthusiasm for connecting with others as I learn to care for patients and their families. BuckeyeThon showed me how much we can accomplish when we come together to support those around us, a lesson I hope to carry throughout my career.

Neil Hariths, 2026-2027 BuckeyeThon President

BuckeyeThon has been one of the most impactful parts of my experience at Ohio State. In my time with the organization, I've been privileged to work with students from all over our university, each with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences, but with one common goal: to make a difference in the lives of children and families at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

When you see the strength of our Champion Kids and their families, the dedication of my peers and the generosity of the BuckeyeThon community, it shapes your understanding of service and the impact we can have on those around us. These experiences have also been important in solidifying my desire to pursue a career in medicine and ultimately my decision to apply to medical school.

As I look toward a future in medicine, I will take with me not only the friendships but also the lessons and experiences that BuckeyeThon has provided me. Most importantly, BuckeyeThon has shown me that the process of making a difference does not have to be something that we wait to do when we grow older. At any stage in life, regardless of where we may be, we have the power to make a difference in the lives of others.